Abstract: An apparatus for discharging flowable material, particularly a powder or other particulate material, is provided with a hopper, bin, silo or the like having a discharge outlet with a closure, also known as an .alpha.-flange, and spaced therefrom a device, such as a cone, for obturating flow of material from the outlet, and a mechanism which is connectible with the obturating device and is operative to open the closure and obturating device in sequence. The mechanism also closes the obturating device and closure in reverse sequence.

Abstract: An outlet closure element in the embodiment is a metal or other material, e.g., plastic, plate which is circular in plan, formed in one piece and which has a substantially central frusto-conical upwardly directly (as considered in use) inset or profile. The periphery of the rim element has a plurality of projecting interengaging portions, in the embodiment four, equiangularly spaced, bayonet shaped locators or slots for releasable interengaging cooperation with members in the form of four bayonet kind of lugs located on the periphery of the outlet of the container.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus shown is a pallet made in one piece from plastic material, having a surface in the form of a ring for supporting a container (not shown), the pallet is arranged in use to provide for discharge of material from a container of flowable (particulate) material, and for stacking and nesting with another similar pallet. The ring is a clamp ring which receives a similar ring of a container which rings can be clamped together by a suitable device to provide a unitary arrangement so that the pallet, or base, and the container can be filled and transported in one location, and discharged at a discharge station. The pallet thus includes the discharge means comprising a conical discharge outlet with a cone valve which can be operated with total containment at a discharge station by use of suitable valves.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus for transferring material from one container to another, comprising an extensible conduit, a mechanism to extend the conduit, and respective mechanism to open and close an inlet and outlet of the conduit, the arrangement being such that in use the conduit is extended for transfer of material, and the inlet and outlet are opened sequentially to pass material to the conduit from the owe container and then from the conduit to another container.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus comprising a container, such as a silo or hopper for storing and distributing flowable material, to receptacle such as an I.B.C. via an outlet, there being a device adapted for removing and replacing a closure of the receptacle, particularly on passage of material into the receptacle.In a preferred arrangement, outlet of the silo is normally obturated by a conical (or frusto-conical) closure device which is raised and lowered by pneumatic devices in the form of an air bellows mounted in the silo on a frame. The bellows is within a cone, and there is also a device for oscillating the cone, such as a vibrator, in order to obviate bridging or rat-holing of material during discharge. The bellows is housed within a hygienic cover for cleanliness. The cone is connected with the bellows via a connector which may be in the form of a telescopic tube. The tube passes through the apex of the cone and is secured thereat as by a nut and bolt arrangement.